Adapted from Rome: A Culinary History, Cookbook, and Field Guide to the Flavors that Built a City It’s a myth that Romans don’t love rules—they’re obsessed with them, at least when it comes to food. Case in point: giovedì gnocchi. Thursday is gnocchi day, and everyone knows it. But not all gnocchi are created equal. These days, gnocchi di patate are often dense, gummy, and sticky, the result of industrial production and shortcuts.